DJ's Blog

I am convinced this is why I have children! Having open and honest relationship with my children guarantees I will hear whenever I act in a hypocritical way. The older I get, the more joy I find in learning to laugh at myself...especially when I think I have it all together. The Lord has amazing ways of reminding me that I’m the clay and He is the Potter! While driving down our country road with my children one day, one of my boys was talking with me about basketball. I was enthralled with the countryside around me. Just as Judah was commenting about a certain player in the NBA, I was making a comment about the mockingbird that flew across the road in front of me. I was in Steve Irwin (The Crocodile Hunter) mode, being the smart outdoorsman-expert-dad. Judah saw someone else in his mind involving the conversation he was having with me. His take on the moment? “Dad, you’re scaring me.” Rather than become upset at how my children did not see the importance of my ‘teaching moment,’ I saw the utter hilarity from my son’s perspective and began to laugh. I am too old to not enjoy my life. This joy can only serve to enhance my creative abilities and insights. Humility really is key in learning to laugh at one's self. Laugh and gain a new perspective today. -

This is one of my favorite creativity boosters. I love it when people tell me things like ‘you can’t write a song that way. No one will ever sing it.’ Telling me I can’t do something is like pushing me off a cliff. What may look like a fall for someone else looks like an opportunity for adventure and creativity to me. I should walk around with a placard that says ‘I’ll show you!’ Just because everyone does something one way doesn’t mean it’s the ONLY way. Maybe God has something else for you. Not only should we take God out of any boxes we have placed Him in, we should take OURSELVES out of the box as well. -

"THINGS WHICH EYE HAS NOT SEEN AND EAR HAS NOT HEARD, AND which HAVE NOT ENTERED THE HEART OF MAN, ALL THAT GOD HAS PREPARED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM." For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God.

Awakening the senses does not mean to do whatever feels good in a given moment. God gave us senses to help us understand the world and the people around us. Our senses were given with pure and holy intentions in mind. Creative people are often attacked in the area of erotic awareness of our senses. There is a place for that. Learn to use your senses in a godly manner. How can we learn to do this? We must learn to see from God’s perspective. When we see a loved one or a coworker, what do we see? What does God see? Learn to see with His eyes. When we hear someone speak, what do we hear? Do we listen beyond the surface and hear the meaning behind the sound, or are we too concerned with our own needs to hear from God’s perspective? We know that children need to be touched. Have you ever been with someone you knew could benefit from your touch? A gentle touch on the arm that says ‘I understand’ or a pat on the back that says ‘Way to go!’ Have you ever wondered what an emotionally needy person might feel to go untouched in life? Learn to taste and see from God’s perspective…and allow the heightened sensitivity to permeate your creativity. -

Sometimes, creativity means getting out of your regular routine. Have you considered taking a hike to help break the monotony of your job? Taking a hike may mean simply getting up and walking around the office. Such a walk may not seem too adventurous to you until you see that walk from God’s perspective. Take time to look at the people around you from a different point of view. What are their needs? What are their dreams? What would bless them today? Our souls need refreshment. What brings refreshment to you? Clearing the mind does wonders. Need help doing that? Call a friend who is always encouraging to you. Don’t have any friends like that? Call someone who needs encouragement and YOU be that friend. Take a praise break. Take just a few minutes and tell the Lord how much He means to you today. Get away from that computer or that knitting or that washing machine or that telephone for even 5 minutes and refocus on something that brings you joy...then apply that creativity to whatever creative outlet God has placed in your life. -

Creativity (to me) is seeing life and its circumstances from a different perspective. As a child of God Almighty, I must learn to see life from HIS perspective. To do so can prove to be one of the most productive means of unburdening your soul you may ever find in this life. To see tragedy from God’s perspective gives hope. To view hurtful moments from God’s point of view brings maturity and grace. To see your place and purpose from God’s point of view brings passion and joy. To practice creativity in this manner is to be like our Father. He is Creator. We are made in His image. Let’s learn to release more of our identity and be like Him. That is who we are. You get the picture. Focus anew on seeing life from a different perspective and allow it to permeate your creativity. -

But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.